As a Houston native, EZ’s Liquor Lounge Co-Owner and Operator Matt Tanner had envisioned the concept long before it came to life in 2022. Located in the historic Heights neighborhood and in partnership with Agricole Hospitality, the laid-back bar is an ode to the owners’ collective love of a good neighborhood dive, well-made cocktails, beers on draft, and no-frill bar snacks.

Tanner resonates with the playfulness of the bar and strives to live his life with a similar quality- over-quantity mindset.

While Tanner worked his way up through various restaurant ranks from busser to host to server in college, he didn’t seriously pursue a career in hospitality until joining the Anvil Bar and Refuge team as a bartender in 2009. Ultimately, he stayed with the bar for four years and finished his tenure there as General Manager. Over the years, Tanner continued to work alongside the best and brightest in Houston’s beverage community, including serving as the opening Assistant General Manager of The Hay Merchant, a renowned beer bar, and in various roles at OKRA Charity Saloon, Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirits Lodge.

In 2013, Tanner accepted a position as Concept Beverage Manager with Pappas Restaurants. At Pappas, he oversaw Bar Operations for Pappas Bros. Steakhouse and also developed cocktail programs, handled spirit and beer selections, and established training programs for eight concepts in seven states with over 100 locations. After 15 years in the industry, Tanner coupled his extensive knowledge in management and customer service with his ability to craft creative menus into the EZ’s experience.

When he’s not wearing many hats at EZ’s, Tanner enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog Greta, fly fishing, bird hunting, and cycling. One of his favorite Sunday activities? Drinking champagne and eating Popeyes spicy fried chicken while watching football with close friends – a perfect parallel with the lounge.